Week 3 is underway with the Patriots picking up win number 3 with their 3rd string QB on Thursday against the Texans. LeGarrette Blount was one of those players who exceeded expectations. Rob Gronkowski failed to record a catch letting down fantasy owners all over the nation. Just like in this game, stars underperform and guys you didn’t even deem worthy of a glance end up being the highest scoring players of the week. We saw it last week when I predicted Sammy Watkins, Carlos Hyde, and Russell Wilson would struggle in their week 2 matchups. So use that knowledge as we dive into this week’s edition of start ‘em/sit’ em.
Start ‘Em
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill has looked pretty good this year passing for 2 TDs last week against New England and rushing for one against Seattle. Even against tough completion, Tannehill has found a way to put up decent fantasy numbers. Miami finally gets a good matchup at home against Cleveland so look for Tannehill to take advantage and land himself in the top 5 QB conversation this week.
Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions
Theo Riddick has been a pleasant surprise this year, especially in PPR leagues. Even is standard formats, however, Riddick has improved as a ball-carrier and earned himself the role as the number 1 back after Ameer Abdullah was placed on IR. Riddick goes against a suspect Green Bay defense this week and should see somewhere in the range of 20-25 touches.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Sharpe was on the field for 67-67 offensive snaps last week against Detroit and the next closest wide receiver only played 36 snaps. I think it is safe to say that Sharpe is entrenched as the number 1 receiver in the Tennessee offense. He also gets a favorable matchup this week going against Oakland, who has given up the most fantasy points to wide receivers this year. Look for Sharpe to find the end zone for his first career touchdown this week.
Sit ‘Em
Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton has put up solid fantasy numbers this year but finds himself facing a Denver defense in week 3. Andrew Luck faced Denver last week and passed for 197 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception on the heels of a 385 yard, 4 TD performance the week before. Cam Newton faced Denver week 1 and passed for 194 yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception, following that up with a 353 yard, 4 TD performance. Do you see the theme here? Denver is really good.
Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders
Murray has rushed for a TD in each of the first 2 games of the season this year. Look for that to come to an end as they face Tennessee this week. Dick LeBeau has done wonders for this defense as they have allowed the least amount of fantasy points to RBs this season and look the part as well. Murray has only rushed the ball a total of 22 times this year so his volume will need to increase this week in order to produce at a high level this week.
Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
Marshall tweaked his knee in the first half of Thursday night’s matchup against the Bills in week 2 and has been a limited participant in practice all week. He is officially listed as questionable and even he has admitted that he is not where he wants to be in his recovery. Even if he does suit up, he will have Marcus Peters of KC covering him all game and he’s a hard guy to play against even when you are at 100%.